Rogue powers, sneak attack and weapon selection

[thalmin]

But the rogue gets more chances to use sneak-attack now. Virtually no-one is immune to sneak-attacks, and it can be used whenever he has combat advantage. LOTS more uses, fewer weapons to use. Not a bad trade-off.

 

[hong]

Actually, how easy is it to gain combat advantage? So far, I recall that there's winning init, and flanking, which are both carryovers from 3E. What other ways are there?

 

[Steely Dan]

But the rogue gets more chances to use sneak-attack now. Virtually no-one is immune to sneak-attacks, and it can be used whenever he has combat advantage. LOTS more uses, fewer weapons to use. Not a bad trade-off.

But the 4th Ed rogue can still only sneak attack once a round, right?

 

[Piratecat]

But the 4th Ed rogue can still only sneak attack once a round, right?

Sure. But there are no iterative attacks, so everyone only attacks once per round unless they're using an action point or have a special power. I think it's okay.

 

[thalmin]

Actually, how easy is it to gain combat advantage? So far, I recall that there's winning init, and flanking, which are both carryovers from 3E. What other ways are there?

Opponent is Blinded, Dazed, Dominated, Helpless, Prone, Restrained, Surprised. That just from the list in KotS.

 

[Dragonblade]

Actually, how easy is it to gain combat advantage? So far, I recall that there's winning init, and flanking, which are both carryovers from 3E. What other ways are there?

Running, being helpless, invisible opponents, all kinds of things.

 

[hong]

Running, being helpless, invisible opponents, all kinds of things.

But all of those also apply to 3E. Are there any ways so far of gaining combat advantage that are NEW to 4E?

 

[hong]

Opponent is Blinded, Dazed, Dominated, Helpless, Prone, Restrained, Surprised. That just from the list in KotS.

Okay, dominated, prone and dazed look new compared to 3E. Still not sure that it's really that much easier to gain CA in 4E, though.

 

[Mercule]

Sneak Attack is hitting a vulnerable point. Why can't you do that with a greatsword? Blackguard had sneak attack as class feature.

I prefer to sneak attack with a trebuchet. Believe me, no one expects to be hit by one of those when they're in a 10'x10' room 200 yards underground. Combat advantage, baby!

 

[Ginnel]

Okay, dominated, prone and dazed look new compared to 3E. Still not sure that it's really that much easier to gain CA in 4E, though.

does it really need to be though? my set of rogues (I have two in my game) don't seem to have that much of a problem with flanking and only usually when a monster has backed off into the corner or is in formation.

4th edition gives us nifty sliding/pulling/pushing powers to put the enemy where you want it leading to potentially more flanking and more horrible rogue stabbage.